CENTRAL CITY, Neb. — Renovations for a nationally recognized library in central Nebraska are underway. 

The Central City Public Library is going through a makeover of the entire inside of the facility.

The building was built in 1991 and Library Director Sara Lee said things were starting to look old. 

“We had started to see a lot of wear and tear on the carpeting and on the floor tiles and things like that,” Lee said. "Another element we are tackling to refresh is the seating and the use of flexible space in the library."

Renovations started earlier this month. The first part of the project will tackle the public areas including restrooms, circulation desk counters and carpeting. When this is done, likely around mid-June, the library will reopen.

Lee said the renovations will benefit the public greatly. 

“The use of technology with charging tables that people can put laptops on and sit right by them,” Lee said. "So, just the use of technology, the comfort level, and the use of flexible space throughout the library is going to improve dramatically. “

The "behind the scenes" renovations, like staff work areas and the meeting room, will be done in September. 

The renovation cost is about $800,000 and the city is providing $50,000. The remainder comes from a generous gift from the estate of Patricia Campbell, who left more than $1.5 million to the library. 

Lee said they heard about the donation back in 2020 after Campbell passed away. 

“It was just astonishing and we were just extremely thankful,” Lee said. "It’s just a great gift for the entire community, and I mean I get goosebumps thinking there’s people that aren’t even alive yet that will benefit from her gift.”

Right now, curbside pick-up is being offered and staff is still available to answer questions.